Most of the buzz surrounding the 2022 NBA Draft has Jabari Smith Jr. going to the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick. That could work out perfectly for the Oklahoma City Thunder with Gonzaga standout Chet Holmgren potentially falling right into their lap. Not exactly a bad consolation prize if it happens.
But there's still a lot of time between now and the NBA Draft. If the Magic decide to pivot and select Holmgren or Duke product Paolo Banchero, OKC could be the biggest winner of the night.
While Holmgren would be a home run swing for the Thunder given his massive boom-or-bust potential, Jabari Smith Jr. projects to be a much more seamless fit in OKC.
Here are the three (3) biggest reasons why Jabari Smith Jr., not Chet Holmgren, is the perfect pick for the OKC Thunder.
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3 reasons Jabari Smith, not Chet Holmgren, is the perfect pick for the Thunder
#1 – The way Jabari Smith Jr. is built for today's NBA
Just take one look at Jabari Smith Jr.'s game and you'll understand the reason scouts are gushing over him and why he could potentially go number one. The way he plays the game is just a hand in glove fit with what most NBA teams are trying to do in today's game.
First off, he's a 6'10 forward with long arms and the quickness necessary to play at the wing spot. If you're asked to build the prototypical player for the modern game, those are the kinds of physical tools you'd be looking for. In a league that's trending towards positionless basketball, Jabari Smith can fit into any lineup and team composition.
But beyond the physical gifts, his skill set also paints the picture of the ideal prospect. He was an elite three-pointer shooter in college connecting on 42% of his takes from beyond the arc. Couple that with his size and length and you'd have a player who sounds like a dream to coach on both ends of the basketball court.
Auburn’s Jabari Smith scores 31
His highlight reel ⤵️
pic.twitter.com/69PcyDqwZZ— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) February 17, 2022
His offensive repertoire is still a long way from that of a potential go-to scorer at the moment like the Kevin Durants, Paul Georges, or Jayson Tatums of the world, but he'll come into the NBA checking some of the most important boxes to get there right off the bat.
#2 – Jabari is OKC's best bet to start winning now
The OKC Thunder have no pressure to win ASAP. With GM Sam Presti hoarding first-rounders like his life depended on it, fans knew what they were signing up for – a lengthy rebuild.
But there's more to a successful rebuild than just tanking and drafting high lottery talents every year. If that were all that's needed, then the Sacramento Kings would have made the playoffs in the past decade. Fostering a winning culture and subsequently developing a team identity is tantamount to finding success in the long run.
While Chet Holmgren could just as easily develop into a star, it's likely going to take him a couple of years before he puts on the weight and gets comfortable enough to reach his full potential as a unicorn hybrid five. That could mean another season or two of struggles in OKC.
On the other hand, Jabari Smith Jr. could probably come in and play an effective role right off the bat just by the sheer value of his shooting. The Oklahoma City Thunder ranked dead last in three-point percentage in the entire NBA last season. Giving playmakers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey a release valve outlet like Jabari Smith Jr. will be a match made in heaven.
We saw the Memphis Grizzlies go from play-in tournament challengers to the borderline contenders this past season. The New Orleans Pelicans could do the same next season. Getting a player who can help them take those steps sooner in Jabari Smith Jr. could help the Thunder turn that corner.
#3 – Jabari's floor is exponentially higher than Chet Holmgren's
Chet Holmgren could very well turn into an All-NBA talent in this league thanks to his tantalizing potential. But there's also a reality where he fizzles out with his unique skill set unable to translate at the next level.
That's not a reality that the Thunder would have to worry about with Jabari Smith. There's no greater skill more valued in the modern game than shooting and he just so happens to be an elite shooting prospect.
The worst case scenario with him isn't all that dire. Even if his offensive game never develops into becoming a go-to scorer who can call his own number, he'll still project as a valuable starter in the league for the next decade. A mobile, plug-and-play defender who would likely shoot at close to the 40% mark for his career?
Mikal Bridges got paid $90 million for bringing that exact skill set to the table with the Phoenix Suns. Just add four inches and a nearly unblockable jump shot and you'd have Jabari Smith Jr.
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